Promoter Eddie Hearn sounds less than excited about signing free agent IBF welterweight champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis to his stable.
Hearn talks about not wanting to be stuck in a contract with a fighter with an “incorrect commercial value,” meaning that Boots Ennis (31-0, 28 KOs) is not a big star right now and wouldn’t sell tickets or deliver for the DAZN subscribers.
Matchroom promoter Hearn may have learned the hard way about signing American fighters Devin Haney and Regis Prograis, as they don’t bring in big ratings on DAZN.
Haney’s fight with Prograis recently bombed on PPV. Devin’s fighting style is so dull that the chances of him ever becoming a star for Hearn are slim.
Hearn’s Hesistation: Commerical Value
“When you talk about U.S headliners, the last thing you want to do, which I’ve done before, is sign a fighter with an incorrect commercial value stuck in a contract with them that you have to keep headlining that doesn’t rate,” said promoter Eddie Hearn to iFL TV when asked about his interest in signing free agent Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis.
Although Boots Ennis is arguably far better talent than Hearn’s fighter Conor Benn, he’s not British, so the UK fans won’t rally around him.
“So, we will definitely add talent to the roster, but it’s got to be the right talent. It’s not just a decent name. What’s the point if they don’t put bums on seats or don’t deliver subscribers to DAZN?
“I’d rather use that money to be fluid to make great fights. Boots is still a conversation that is open, and many other world champions as well, but they’ve got to be right for everyone involved.
Crawford’s Price Tag
“When I look at Terence Crawford, who is arguably pound-for-pound #1, what would I do with Terence Crawford,” said Hearn.
“He wants an absolute fortune to fight, and rightfully so, but if I don’t have the dance partners for Terence Crawford, then I’m not in that business. Boots might sign with us if we have options for him at 147.
“But you’ve got to have those options, and you’ve got to be able to make those big fights. Otherwise, you sit on a contract, and you’re paying a guy an absolute fortune for fights that aren’t going to deliver. It’s a terrible business, so you’ve to be smart,” said Hearn.
